New York Yankees SP Gerrit Cole is making steady progress in his rehab. On Saturday, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner pitched two simulated innings at Yankee Stadium before the afternoon game against the Chicago White Sox. Pitching coach Matt Blake noted that Cole’s velocity reached the low 90s, indicating positive advancement towards his anticipated mid-June return.
Cole is Showing Significant Improvement
Cole has been sidelined with right elbow discomfort since early March. He had informed the team that he wasn’t recovering between starts as usual, leading the Yankees to conduct several tests. After confirming there was no significant UCL damage, Cole started his extensive rehab process.
May has been a productive month for Cole. He began throwing from a mound on May 4 for the first time since his Spring Training injury and continued on May 7, May 11, and May 14, culminating in Saturday’s session.
Despite the positive updates, Cole is still several weeks away from returning, needing at least four to six weeks of ramp-up activities. His next rehab step might include facing live hitters in batting practice.
Yankees’ Starters Have Stepped Up
Even without Cole, the Yankees’ starting pitchers have performed excellently. As of Friday’s game against the White Sox, the Yankees’ starters had a 3.12 ERA, the second-lowest in the AL and third-lowest in the majors. The team’s collective ERA of 2.88 was the best in MLB.
It’s uncertain how the Yankees will adjust their rotation once Cole returns. Decisions will need to be made about who might be moved out or if a six-man rotation will be implemented. Fortunately, the Yankees haven’t needed to rush Cole back, and his return will further strengthen an already impressive rotation.
